Evening's Empire - Movies (Who I Really Am) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“Evening’s Empire has captured the Indie Rock vibe and sound and distilled it into an engaging first single from their upcoming album, Alive For Us.

There are definitely hints of Springsteen here, though the track has its own vibe musically that makes it stand alone with a sound that grips you as it builds into an emotional crescendo. ‘Movies (Who I Really Am)’ is as the band says ... about the resolve to hold on to the parts of life that make it worth living.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cory Taylor Cox - Queen of Valley City [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Written about, and for, his mother-in-law, Cory Taylor Cox takes what many would dismiss as the mundane and turns it into an extraordinaire ode to a life well spent. The love and dedication, and determination shine through, and the vocal talent brings all of those assessments as well as a spirit to the track, making the songwriting shine as much as the performance.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Simon Lunche - Kiss Me [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a summertime vibe of bright sunshine and warmth, ‘Kiss Me’ is an ode to first loves and the idea that they truly can last forever.

Simon Lunche delivers a vocal performance that keeps the listener invested and believing in a romanticized version of their first love.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Not Famous - Silly Putty [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The vocals come in with a soft emotive style before that track makes an abrupt Electro vibe. Lyrically, this one is about molding yourself to be something that someone else wants you to be. That kind of selfish love is always one-sided and eventually leaves one party a glob of ‘Silly Putty.’ ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Difion - Blessings [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Difion gives us ‘Blessings’ with this uplifting and positive Reggae track. Riding a tranquil vibe the track offers smooth vocals and a calming beat and melody to deliver a message of hope.

Staying positive is something we all struggle with at times, and this is the kind of track that can help put your mind in a state that helps with that task. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Irie x The Elovaters - Turn Me Up [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“This track delivers a nice summer vibe. ‘Turn Me Up’ brings a Reggae sound along with a Pop like vibe that simply feels like the combination of sunshine on your face, and cold beer on your hand. The vocal groove is one that is easy to fall into, and the beat carries you along without effort.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Annie of the Canyon - Friends That Kiss [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“The music scene that sprang from Laurel Canyon in the Hollywood Hills is legendary in its own right, and Annie of the Canyon taps into that with a vibe that matches that era but still brings its own unique modern spin.

There is a dusty sultry seductiveness to the vocals and a haunting darkness to the lyrics that lured me in on this track.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Emily Drinker - Enough Is Enough [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Is Commercial Folk a thing? If it is Emily Drinker is taking a big sip from that fountain, because while there are definite Pop sensibilities within the arrangement, Drinker’s overall vocal tone feels folksy and energetic with hints of blues and jazz coming through at times. The build and progression are engaging, and I was on the hook all the way through. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Karamilk - Hurt [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Karamilk delivers a dark Pop song about the pressures of social circles and how easy it is to lose yourself in the demands of a group.

The vocals offer a haunting distance that echoes the emotions of the lyrics and the production behind the track adds a depth of feeling that creates a suitable mood for the entire track.

’Hurt’ feels like a bit of genuine honesty amid a see of artificial — in a time dominated by social media and snapshots of what life is supposed to look and feel like.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

blueheartkonnie x Trip Carter - Girlfriend!!!

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a nice combo of Dirty South grit, and smooth West Coast vibe, blueheartkonnie and Trip Carter drop their flows in ‘Girlfriend!!!,’ a track they describe as a ladies night anthem.

Lyrically the track drops hook after hook, and that beat combined with the bars, does a good job of blending an old school sound with a modern production sound.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Skylar Dayne - 30 Days [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The world has been weird and challenging for most of us in some way, and ‘30 Days’ by Skylar Dayne takes one dynamic of the quarantine life and brings it to light.

In the budding beginning of a new relationship just as lock-down came on, Dayne penned this track about the uncertainties of her newfound relationship in the face of a forced separation. The vocals bring alive the emotion and the production feels spot on here. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Sam The Astronaut - Monster Squad (Love so Crazy) [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Coming with a fun energy, Sam The Astronaut utilizes an Electro Pop vibe to deliver a light energetic track that feels a bit like summer without overtly trying to do so.

’Monster Squad’ is a groove you can fall easily into and ride out with enthusiasm.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

The Mandevilles - You Feel Like Nothing [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Some flames simply cannot be reignited, and The Mandevilles give a classic Rock sound on “You Feel Like Nothing,’ a track that takes a dive into that very idea on relationships.

Coming with a raspy vocal sound that reminded me some of Bonnie Raitt, this song taps into the emotions of the singer’s own experiences and that fact shines through in the genuineness you feel while listening.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Gary Beals - Me For Me (Acoustic LIVE) [Review]

Rating: 4.5 out of 5

“The stripped down acoustic vibe of this track allowed for the soulful R&B vocals of Gary Beals to take center stage. The emotion is tangible start to finish, and the vocal runs carry you with them, holding you tight while making sure you feel this track to your soul.


’Me For Me’ is honest in its bare bones plea. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

STVN - Remedy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Knowing someone has your back means everything, and this tranquil tracks expresses that with a sincere bit of emotion that feels uplifting and affirmative in all the best ways. Could be a lover, or simply a friend, but either way STVN makes this performance come alive with a nice easy groove.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Ricci Paolo - Sunset Blvd [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A nice contemporary track about the nostalgic days of old on Sunset Strip. The smooth flow is intoxicating, and you can feel the cool breeze on your face as you close your eyes and listen to these lyrics pull you along that iconic strip of West Coast real estate.

Ricci Paolo gives us a vibe on this single.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Mishcatt - Goofy [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Nothing can bring out the ‘Goofy’ in a person quite like the initial euphoria of falling for someone new.

Mishcatt captures that sentiment so well here with an energetic flow and rhythm that is full of Reggae sound and Pop sensibilities. If you can’t get up and move to this beat — then you are an entirely different kind of goofy.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

Cloudy June - Pretty Pills for Broken Hearts [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“Cloudy June might sound like a weather forecast, but let me tell you this artist is bringing a heat wave of hits lately. ‘Pretty Pills For Broken Hearts’ as another tantalizing track blowing across the landscape. With word play that waters the soul, like that first rain after a long drought, and a beat just as refreshing, this talented songwriter and vocalist is riding high in the stratosphere.”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

PRINS - I Tried [Review]

Rating: 3.5 out of 5

“The powerful vocals are engaging, but what makes this track work is the variation to the arrangement and build. The lyrics reveal the effort of maintaining a complicated relationships and the progression of this track sort of mirrors that with unexpected and shifting directions.

The energy is all Pop, but the depth of the performance and production give this track just a little extra oomph. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)

iDaWiLL - Let's Make Up Ft. Ray Lavender & Gillie Da Kid [Review]

Rating: 4 out of 5

“A nice blend of vocals laid over top of a catchy beat, and centered around a nice hook, this track features iDaWill along with Ray Lavender and Gillie Da Kid.

’Let’s Make Up’ is a smooth groove that calls for an end to petty arguing and honors the idea of making up and making love all night. I don’t know if the song alone will be enough to keep from, or get you out of, trouble, but after you’ve soothed those bruises, this is definitely a track to put on and settle in next to your love. ”

— Travis Erwin (LA on Lock Blogger)